A fearless trip report- May 12-18th 2011

[amandaw]

I really enjoyed your last update. It sounds like y'all were having such a nice afternoon in WS. Of course it would be hard to beat family, friends & drinks all together while you're at Disney! Can't wait to hear what y'all did next! And Everett seems like he is being such a good little trooper!

 

[DisneyMomma09]

Hmmm...my mom is coming on our trip in August...I wonder if I can work on her to surprise me...maybe...a girl can dream, right?

 

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 17: The update in which we get stuck in a Ditch

When I left off we were about to enter the Rose and Crown pub for our vacation tradition car bombs, but while DH and I were getting our drink on, my Mom and Everett were embarking on a quest of their own.

As you may remember “Barfy” arrived on this trip au naturale, and since a shirt and shoes are required attire for all Disney parks, my mom wanted to get “Barfy” on the right side of the law. So off they went, searching the World Showcase for an appropriate wardrobe.

Right about this time I received a text from my mom “Barfy is no longer naked”, with an attached photo of some German lederhosen. I’m so glad that “Barfy” will not look out of place at DH’s least favorite restaurant.

Satisfied that “Barfy” was well on his way to becoming an international fashion icon, we headed into the Rose and Crown. It was surprisingly uncrowded, and we were able to claim spaces at the bar. We ordered our drinks, and Amy had the honor of taking the requisite video.

Once we had toasted to our vacation and our friendship, Bryan wanted to go check out the stores in the UK, searching for new Beatles merchandise.

photo from inside the shop, I love the "keep calm and carry on" shirt

Steve and I talked to some of the Cast Members that were there on the college program, and I enlightened them on some of the ways to spot a fake pin. I know that it won’t make any difference, and they they’d have to trade for the fake if offered, but maybe if when their shift is over they remove the fakes from their lanyard and hand them off to a supervisor or someone who could dispose of them, then there would be a few less counterfeit pins circulating around. I really love pin trading, but I really hate getting home and looking up the pins I’ve traded in the parks, only to find that half of them are counterfeit. I only trade with CMs, so this is something I’m really concerned about.

I was also keeping an eye on the weather and it really started to look threatening. Our group had gotten dispersed within the UK stores, so I began to try and round everyone up so we could make a decision about what to do if it started to pour. Steve was still chatting with Cast Members, Bryan was making a purchase, Amy was sitting on a bench outside, and I finally located Mark, who had gone back into the bar to get another drink.

Once we were all together it was starting to sprinkle, so we needed to make a decision – fast! I suggested heading over to Mexico to the Cava del Tequila, or as it is sometimes known here on the DisBoards, “The Ditch”. Everyone quickly agreed that it was a great idea, and off we went.

Well, we didn’t make it very far before it really started to pour. We were close to Canada, so I yelled, “run for the stores”, and I made it just in the nick of time before it really started to pour. I turned around and said “That was a close one!”, but there was no one behind me. Apparently I was the only one who ran into the stores. Hmmmm… where was everyone else? If I knew my DH and my friend Amy, there was no way they were just hanging out in the rain. I waited a few seconds thinking they would enter any moment, but no, it was just me.

I opened my backpack, got out my trusty poncho, put in on, and went out in the rain to investigate. Its kinda funny who you see roaming the parks in the pouring rain. There are a few prepared types (like myself) with ponchos, but then there are those that have just decided to give up and embrace being drenched. There was one group of teenagers in particular who were having a blast jumping in the puddles right outside. Who needs Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids when a summer downpour will accomplish pretty much the same outcome.

I headed back in the direction of England, but I didn’t have to go far before I found the remainder of my group huddled under an umbrella right outside of the Off Kilter Stage. Amy took one look at me, laughed and said “yeah, we weren’t running”.

I joined them under the umbrella, and used my poncho to help block the rain that was blowing in from all sides. I knew it was probably going to blow over really quick, so I wasn’t too concerned about us, but I got out my phone to text my Mom to make sure that her and Everett were OK.

I had packed the rain cover for the stroller, and I gave my mom a crash course on how to put it on before I left them, but I wasn’t sure how it would all go down. I knew I shouldn’t have worried, they were safely inside the store in Japan, which is probably one of the best places to be stuck in a rainstorm. Apparently when my Mom saw that the weather was going south she headed right over to Japan, since she knew that there would be plenty of shopping to keep her occupied while they waited.

Once the rain lightened up to a mere sprinkle, we left our handy umbrella and headed back toward our main objective- fancy margaritas!

When we got to “The Ditch” it was pretty mobbed, I guess I wasn’t the only one with the “wait out the rain with your friend tequila” plan. Luckily we were able to find a few seats in the back, even though we were split at two different tables. Amy and Mark took one, so they could commiserate about what giant Disney dorks they are married too, and Steve, Bryan and I squished in at another.

Amy and DH

Bryan and Steve

It was nice to get some time just to chill out and talk. I didn’t know Steve all that well before this trip, I had met him a few times, but he was much better friends with Bryan and Shane, so it was great to just spend some time chatting and getting to know each other better

Most of us chose margaritas from the menu, but Bryan went out on a limb and got a tequila flight. I tried the Pineapple margarita, which was good, but not as good as the avocado one! I know, avocado margarita sounds gross, but I promise you, its completely awesome, doesn’t taste like guacamole at all! I think DH got the Passion Fruit one, and I’m not sure what Steve got. Amy went with the classic- diet coke.

I remember being very disappointed that “The Ditch” opened after DH and I moved away from Florida. I thought that it would be just the sort of place that we could get sucked into, and spend hours, just enjoying the company of our friends. Well, we might not get down as often as we used to, but its nice to know that we can still share those moments together, kicking back with a good drink and some good friends and frittering away a whole afternoon just completely relaxed. I may be a commando at heart, but I think there is just something decedent and wonderful about “wasting” time at Disney. We could have been running from ride to ride, maximizing our park time, but I think that maximizing our friendship time is even sweeter.

 

[CandleontheWater]

Subbing Everett is soooo cute!! Loved your previous trip report where Everett is teething and no one got any sleep. This one is just as fun to read! Thanks

Thank you so much for joining me again. Hopefully this TR will be better, I really tried to take more pictures, but some days I did better than others!

I love to listen to them, too. They do a special show on the 4th of July with Disney characters dressed in red, white, and blue. It is very moving.

Count me in as one who can pass on the Moroccan food but is in for the Moroccan shopping.

I was able to see them sing at the flag ceremony in the MK on 4th of July 2009. Maybe you were there at the same time! DH was deployed at the time, so it was very emotional for me too, but so wonderful!

Walking around the World Showcase with a drink in your hand and friends by your side. Really, does it get any better than that?

No, I don't think it does!

Those sliders look really good. I love Mediterranean food, but also have a hard time deciding on what to get.

I agree, running around WS in the mornings before it opens would be awesome!

The sliders are yummy, especially if you are indecisive!

I am with your Mom, Moroccan food is not my thing.

All the drinks you mentioned sound so yummy!

I'm not a big drinker at home, but I do love treating myself to some yummy Disney drinks!

I love your trip report. My DH, DD (4) and I will be going on our very first Disney vacation in 9 days. We...I am soooooo excited.

I live on the DISboards...my husband thinks I am crazy...but I have learned so much that he'll thank me later.

How do you subscribe to a post...thread? I would love to read the rest of your teip report....I just figured it out

I think you might be on vacation right now! I hope you are having a wonderful time!

I really enjoyed your last update. It sounds like y'all were having such a nice afternoon in WS. Of course it would be hard to beat family, friends & drinks all together while you're at Disney! Can't wait to hear what y'all did next! And Everett seems like he is being such a good little trooper!

It was a perfect afternoon. I wish the weather had been a little better, but a little rain can't stop real WDW fans! Everett was really great this trip, he is a star when it comes to touring the parks!

Hmmm...my mom is coming on our trip in August...I wonder if I can work on her to surprise me...maybe...a girl can dream, right?

Well, if there is one place to dream- it would be Disney!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

You have me rolling with "Barfy the international fashion icon".

Was this May 14th? If so we were also seeking shelter in the Japan store. I will have to search our pictures to see if your Mom and Everett pop up in any of them.

Too funny that you got "left behind", well more like you left them behind.

 

[amandaw]

I really enjoyed your latest update. It was really great that the rain didn't stop y'all. Y'all just found something great to do while waiting out the weather. And those margaritas sound scrumptious! I am so commando when I go to the parks. But, after reading a few TR's on here, I think I need to learn how to slow it down a bit at Disney. I need to learn to take swim breaks & just sit for a while in the park & enjoy being there with my family. Hmmmm......who knew these boards would give way to deep inner reflections of one's self? And this is cheaper than therapy!

 

[tammy]

Thank you for another great update. Is there nothing better than "wasting time" at Disney? I love it!

 

[afwdwfan]

I've never had the opportunity to experience "the ditch" but it looks like something we'll have to check out sometime. Probably not our next trip since it will just be the 2 of us with a toddler, but hopefully another time. Margaritas are DW's favorite drink.

I'm glad that "Barfy" is now clothed and no longer at risk of being thrown out of the parks for being inappropriately dressed.

 

[cadek]

Sounds like a great experience to "waste time" at Disney, having a good time with friends. It's so much harder to find time for that once you have kids, so it's wonderful that your Mom was with to give you that opportunity!

I'd love to slow down and waste some time at Disney someday too! I think the more I get to go, the closer I get to overcoming that feeling of needing to do it all.

 

[PirateKate]

I think hanging out with some friends in Mexico sounds like much less of a waste of time than spending hours of the day waiting in long lines and rushing around.

It is kind of funny to see everyone else in the rain. So many people with ponchos, usually all the same Disney one, and a few people not worrying about the rain and getting wet. In the summer, an afternoon shower isn't always such a bad thing.

 

[CandleontheWater]

Hey All,

I just wanted to share some good news! We are one step closer to moving back to Jacksonville, Florida next June. DH talked to the detailer on Friday, and he told DH that he has a really good chance of getting those orders. He even "penciled in" DH for the billet.

Nothing is written in stone yet, and things could still get changed around, but this is really encouraging, and one step closer to getting back to Florida!

I also posted a thread in the community board about thinking about having a second baby. I've been mulling over the timeline and the obstacles and I could use some advice. If any of you would like to chime in, I'd love all the opinions and viewpoints I can get. Here is a link to that thread. Thanks in advance for any sage wisdom!

 

[EllaBean]

We haven't left yet...Thursday the 30th is our day!

Glad you are one step closer to going back to Florida.

I have to say that I am a little jelous of all of the people on here that go to EWDW in a large group. It is just DH, DD, and me going. I bet we will have a grand ol time anyway.

Can't wait to read more

 

[MeMom]

Hey All,

I just wanted to share some good news! We are one step closer to moving back to Jacksonville, Florida next June. DH talked to the detailer on Friday, and he told DH that he has a really good chance of getting those orders. He even "penciled in" DH for the billet.

Nothing is written in stone yet, and things could still get changed around, but this is really encouraging, and one step closer to getting back to Florida!

I also posted a thread in the community board about thinking about having a second baby. I've been mulling over the timeline and the obstacles and I could use some advice. If any of you would like to chime in, I'd love all the opinions and viewpoints I can get. Here is a link to that thread. Thanks in advance for any sage wisdom!

I know that is where you want to be, so I hope it goes through without a hitch.

My kids are spread out just enough for my liking. Jill is three years older than Trent, and Trent is four years older than Drew. I got to enjoy each of them being a baby and toddler before another one came on the scene. They rarely argued when they were little, because their interests were so different. They didn't want the same toys at the same time. Jill wanted her girl things, Trent was all about basketball, soccer, football - any kind of sport. Drew liked cars above anything, and he loved to roller blade and play roller hockey in ther neighbor's driveway. He loved riding his bike and doing tricks. He liked the sports, whereas Trent loved the sports, so they played them together sometimes, but not enough to get on each other's nerves.

Do you only want two? If you want a third and/or fourth child, you can add that factor into all of your thinking and plans. How many years you would want between the first and last, money factors, etc. I'm not much for giving opinions, because I often think my ideas are crazy to others. In my case, I wanted five or more kids, but my ex left after the third one. I almost adopted another child (a boy) from Thailand, but I just didn't have the money.

 

[DisneyMomma09]

I have read a lot about all the margaritas at The Ditch...I know my mom would love it! Too bad I am hoping to be pregnant for our trip, so I will have to pass. This may also be what influences me to say start trying now...since we are...I have babies on the brain!

That is awesome news about the possible move! Some day maybe we will be able to move closer to Disney. I would love to be closer, but right now we are within 15 minutes of all the grandparents, which is sooo nice when we need a babysitter! I don't know if I could move that far from my mommy!

 

[PirateKate]

How exciting! I hope everything goes smoothly with the move back to Florida.

How far apart to have babies is such a personal thing that all I can offer is my personal opinion. As you know, my boys are thirteen months apart. It's not always easy to have two little ones, but it is what we wanted for our family.

I like having two toddlers now, and I'll like having two school-aged kids, and then two teenagers and finally, a nice empty nest so Jeremy and I can have some fun kid-free years together.

To me, it's worth a bit of extra work and difficulty in the beginning in order to have my family completed and never have to have pregnancy hanging over my head again. But that's just me.

If your only concern is how hard moving with two little ones will be, I'm sure you can handle it. Once you have two little ones, you just figure it out. It's only beforehand that you can't see how you could manage. Once you have them, it all falls into place.

 

[PrincessBetsy]

Another great update! I'm so glad that Barfy is finally clothed! Now, he won't be breaking any rules at all It sounds like you had a great time with your friends at The Ditch. Sometimes you just have to take time to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere and people around you, instead of trying to hit all the attractions in a single day.

That's such exciting news about the possible move! Fingers crossed that it will all work out!

 

[cdotla]

Just joining! I have had a blast reading your TR so far!

From your descriptions of your usual "hobo-style" travel to the airport, "husband-approved" arrival time one week before departure, to your longing for a "itty-bitty parachute" mid-flight, you have had me in stitches from the outset.

Can't believe your luck with those rude and oblivious people at the Nemo and Bruce photo ops....jeeesh people! Get the memo!

And I have to say, it sounds like you have the best mom ever. Taking your son *every* night, and throughout the day so you can ride rides and eat adult-only meals, and then go out drinking at night. Is she for real??? And then buying you that D&B bag? Wowza! You do know you hit the jackpot, right?

Loving your report so far, and can't wait to continue on with your journeys!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 18: The update with mixed ethic stereotypes

After we had our fill of margaritas, it was time to do something that I had been wanting to do since Everett’s very first trip (but somehow never managed to get my act together) going to the Disney Visa character meet and greet. DH and I had done this once before, back in the days before kids and had a wonderful experience. I really wanted to do it with Everett, because it is a great alternative to the character spot.

The Disney Visa meet and greet is open to all Disney Visa holders, and it runs from 1:30pm to 4:30pm and is located in Innoventions West. I’ve heard tales of long lines, but we’ve never run into any, and its nice that you get the room to yourself and I feel you get a little more time than traditional meet and greets. They have photopass photographers, and you get a free photo (if you remember to go pick it up, and don’t totally blank like we did).

My mom knew that this was the plan for the afternoon, so when we texted her when we were ready to go and she told us that she’d meet us over there.

While we were hanging out in the Ditch, my mom and Everett were on a quest of their own. We had talked about what outfits we should get for “Barfy” and one of the ones we both agreed was cute was the (supposed) Italian outfit where “Barfy” would impersonate a gondolier (although the eau de Canal stench was optional accessory).

Ever the intrepid shopper, my Dmom headed over to Italy to purchase the outfit for “Barfy”. She looked high and low, willing to go the extra mile and leave no stone unturned for “Barfy” the fashionista, but low and behold, she could not find the Italian outfit. Not to be deterred, she asked a CM for help. I imagine that the exchange went something like this

Dmom: Excuse me, I’m looking for the Italian Barfy outfit.
Poor Beleaguered CM: You are looking for WHAT, ma’am?
Dmom: Barfy clothes (holds up Duffy) you know, Barfy!
Poor beleaguered CM: Oh, Duffy! No, we don’t have an Italian outfit for Duffy.
Dmom: Oh, but you do, I’ve seen it!
Poor beleaguered CM: No, I’m sorry, you must be mistaken.

(Now, my mom is not one to be put off easily, so I’m sure she didn’t give up yet)

Dmom: Yes, Barfy is dressed up like a gondolier, you know (frantically pantomiming gondola rowing- and perhaps even resorting to an off-key rendition of ‘O Solo Mio’ ).

Poor beleaguered CM: No ma’am, I’m SURE we don’t have anything like that!



Perplexed, but not defeated, my Mom knew there was one place she was bound to find the “Barfy” Italian outfit- the Duffy Merchandise Mega-Mart!

Perhaps you’ve seen the Duffy (Barfy) Merchandise Mega-Mart, it is located right at the entrance of World Showcase. I’m not sure what it used to sell, but its fully saturated with Duffy now!

My mom entered the store, and there- like the holy grail of Duffy fashion- it was hanging behind the cash register.

My mom got into line and pointed to the outfit behind the CM’s head.
Dmom: “I’d like that one please, the Italian outfit”
CM: “You mean the French outfit”
Dmom: “That one, the one with the hat and the striped shirt”
(CM shrugs and rings it up for my mom.)

At this point my mom receives the text from me, and begins to head over to Innoventions, but not before she peaks into the bag, and reads the label on the outfit

“French”

Well that is strange indeed!

Dmom joins the crew in Innoventions and shows me the outfit. Telling me that I might want to return it, because it might be the wrong one. I take a look at it, and confirm it is the gondolier outfit.
DMom: “Look at the label, it says that its French”
Me: (looks at the label) “why would they have gondoliers in France?”
Dmom: “Are you sure it’s a gondolier”
Me: “Yes I’m sure, gondoliers always wear striped shirts and hats”
Dmom: “Are you sure you’re not mixing up your ethnic stereotypes?”
Me: “I’m sure, in cartoons gondoliers are always wearing striped shirts, and we all know that cartoons are never wrong”

cartoon proof that gondoliers wear striped shirts and hats

Dmom: (scrutinizing “Barfys” hat) “Isn’t that a beret?”
Me: “Well, I’ll be darned, it is a French outfit! I don’t care though, as far as I’m concerned “Barfy” is a gondolier”

tell me this doesn't look like a gondolier outfit! Sorry he is not wearing his beret, I can't find it at the moment

By the time that we realized that “Barfy” was impersonating a French gondolier, it was time for us to enter the meet and greet. You don’t know what characters will be present, last time it was Mickey and Minnie, but today we got Minnie and Goofy. Everett went right up to them, like they were long lost friends and had some fun playing around with them.

I probably should have cropped my disembodied head out of this one!

Then it was time for family photos

Then we needed a big group photo! Unfortunately Shane was missing, because he had plans to see La Nuba that night, and headed back to the hotel to get ready.

After all that character fun, it was time for- some math??

 

[CandleontheWater]

You have me rolling with "Barfy the international fashion icon".

Was this May 14th? If so we were also seeking shelter in the Japan store. I will have to search our pictures to see if your Mom and Everett pop up in any of them.

Too funny that you got "left behind", well more like you left them behind.

Yes it was May 14th! Maybe there will be a DMom and Everett sighting in the background of your photos! I'll have to ask my mom if she remembers a crazy brother duo reeking havoc on the store!

I really enjoyed your latest update. It was really great that the rain didn't stop y'all. Y'all just found something great to do while waiting out the weather. And those margaritas sound scrumptious! I am so commando when I go to the parks. But, after reading a few TR's on here, I think I need to learn how to slow it down a bit at Disney. I need to learn to take swim breaks & just sit for a while in the park & enjoy being there with my family. Hmmmm......who knew these boards would give way to deep inner reflections of one's self? And this is cheaper than therapy!

Ha, ha! Glad to help! Seriously though, I used to be a die hard commando, and I think I still am at heart. I think having my friends around really helps me to slow down and appreciate all that the parks have to offer outside of the attractions.

Thank you for another great update. Is there nothing better than "wasting time" at Disney? I love it!

It is wonderful!

I've never had the opportunity to experience "the ditch" but it looks like something we'll have to check out sometime. Probably not our next trip since it will just be the 2 of us with a toddler, but hopefully another time. Margaritas are DW's favorite drink.

I'm glad that "Barfy" is now clothed and no longer at risk of being thrown out of the parks for being inappropriately dressed.

Yes, the Ditch isn't really set up for kids. I'm sure they are welcome, but the seating area is really small and tight. There is no room for a stroller and I didn't see any high chairs. They do have a separate bar area and you can order a "to go" margarita- so even with a toddler, you could still have your chance to try it out!

Sounds like a great experience to "waste time" at Disney, having a good time with friends. It's so much harder to find time for that once you have kids, so it's wonderful that your Mom was with to give you that opportunity!

I'd love to slow down and waste some time at Disney someday too! I think the more I get to go, the closer I get to overcoming that feeling of needing to do it all.

It was wonderful of my mom to give me the gift of time! It took me a really long time to learn to chill out at Disney, and I'm still not 100% there yet!

 

[PrincessBetsy]

Ever the intrepid shopper, my Dmom headed over to Italy to purchase the outfit for “Barfy”. She looked high and low, willing to go the extra mile and leave no stone unturned for “Barfy” the fashionista, but low and behold, she could not find the Italian outfit. Not to be deterred, she asked a CM for help. I imagine that the exchange went something like this

Dmom: Excuse me, I’m looking for the Italian Barfy outfit.
Poor Beleaguered CM: You are looking for WHAT, ma’am?
Dmom: Barfy clothes (holds up Duffy) you know, Barfy!
Poor beleaguered CM: Oh, Duffy! No, we don’t have an Italian outfit for Duffy.
Dmom: Oh, but you do, I’ve seen it!
Poor beleaguered CM: No, I’m sorry, you must be mistaken.

(Now, my mom is not one to be put off easily, so I’m sure she didn’t give up yet)

Dmom: Yes, Barfy is dressed up like a gondolier, you know (frantically pantomiming gondola rowing- and perhaps even resorting to an off-key rendition of ‘O Solo Mio’ ).

Poor beleaguered CM: No ma’am, I’m SURE we don’t have anything like that!



Perplexed, but not defeated, my Mom knew there was one place she was bound to find the “Barfy” Italian outfit- the Duffy Merchandise Mega-Mart!

Perhaps you’ve seen the Duffy (Barfy) Merchandise Mega-Mart, it is located right at the entrance of World Showcase. I’m not sure what it used to sell, but its fully saturated with Duffy now!

My mom entered the store, and there- like the holy grail of Duffy fashion- it was hanging behind the cash register.

My mom got into line and pointed to the outfit behind the CM’s head.
Dmom: “I’d like that one please, the Italian outfit”
CM: “You mean the French outfit”
Dmom: “That one, the one with the hat and the striped shirt”
(CM shrugs and rings it up for my mom.)

At this point my mom receives the text from me, and begins to head over to Innoventions, but not before she peaks into the bag, and reads the label on the outfit

“French”

Well that is strange indeed!

Oh my gosh! This cracks me up! So funny!!!

I do have to agree with you though. It definitely looks like a gondolier outfit.

After all that character fun, it was time for- some math??

Yay for math! I happen to be a math major.